The Discovery of Time [Paperback]

Stuart McCready (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 2001 | ISBN-10: 1570716757 | ISBN-13: 978-1570716751 | Edition: First edition.

An accessible text telling the story of how man understands his position in the universe and how this led to astonishing speculation about the nature of time. Scientists, historians and philosophers explain the many different approaches humans have taken to approaching time throughout the world. Softcover. DLC: Time.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Even if "after many thousands of years we are no closer than we ever were to being able to say what time is," editor Stuart McCready and his eclectic, learned team of contributors are willing to tackle at least the human perception of it. In The Discovery of Time, scientists and philosophers weigh in on the mysteries of circadian rhythms, the particulars of different calendar systems, the mechanics of timepieces and the infinity puzzles that have confounded people for eons. Complementing the text are quotes from poets and psalms, a glossary of terms and gorgeous color plates depicting everything from etchings on an Egyptian sarcophagus to the Hubble space telescope.

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Sourcebooks; First edition. edition (October 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1570716757
• ISBN-13: 978-1570716751
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,015,893 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars What is it that we never have enough of?, February 8, 2006

By 

J. Brian Watkins (Laie, Hawaii) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Discovery of Time (Paperback)

Time is fascinating; universally experienced yet not entirely understood. Most books on time seem to focus on either history & calendaring systems, clocks & mechanical devices, or the societal effects of increasingly accurate time measurement. This book is far more broad in its approach and ranges from astronomical observation to a summary of research into the manner by which our brains perceive the passage of time. Each "chapter" is a self-contained article about a specific facet of the idea of time.

Readers looking for an in-depth analysis would best look elsewhere; however, the breadth of ideas explored in this book provides a broad perspective lacking in more focused works. The presentation is heavy on graphics and illustrations, rather like the old Time-Life science series that was regrettably allowed to lapse. Make no mistake though, the articles are written at a high level and demand a fair bit of attention. A second volume would be most welcome.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Make Time for this, March 12, 2010

By 

Kevin O'Sullivan (Australia) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Discovery of Time (Paperback)

This was a really enjoyable read. Light, yet factual and thoroughly fascinating. I must admit I have read it now several times, and is a great coffee table book - one that you can pick up and casually go through a chapter rather quickly, then put down again without having to worry about losing the train. Well recommended.

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautifully illustrated, well-written, June 24, 2006

By 

T. Randall (Redondo Beach, CA, USA) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Discovery of Time (Paperback)

A series of essays on various aspects of time with really wonderful illustrations and a clear presentation. Strictly for the layperson and perhaps slightly younger crowd, and far more accessible than many books you'll find about time and our concept of it through the ages. Reflects the current research just enough to ground it in credibility but not so much that it eludes or bores a non-professional. I thoroughly enjoyed it and recommend it. The prices that are currently offered are remarkably low for a book constructed of such high-quality paper and binding. The original published price was $25 but I got it for $6.